Encountering Rest – Guest Blog By Claire Hoffmeyer

Rest. Currently, the clock in the upper right-hand corner of this computer screen reads ten to four–in the morning! Rest. The anticipation (of an early start and a busy day) is far greater than the reality. Rest. My repertoire of quieting my mind presently feels stale and ineffective. Rest. With my rosary on my lap I choose to focus my mind, my efforts, my RESTLESS energies on my writing. Rest.

Rest. This summer I have the unique opportunity finding rest free of interruptions, distractions, and stressors. You see, this summer—the first in over ten years—I am out of a job. Later this morning (when the dawn beats out this darkness), I interview for a position in an organization in which I feel confident and certain the challenges attached offer both personal and professional growth. Now more than ever, I should be resting, gaining energy, and freshness to step into that interview room full of sprite and spunk. Even with a couple of (welcomed) yawns here and there as I write, I feel my mind awakening while simultaneously calming, dare I say, resting.

Rest. Let’s look into the meaning of this word, especially since it is key to our spiritual reflection. “Rest” a verb meaning to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself or recover strength. I challenge that definition as I am finding rest while contemplating in action, while writing. In the twenty minutes since opening this document and coating it with black lettering I am experiencing relaxation. My perspective on being awake and alert during this witching hour is in refresh mode. I know that through this prayerful posture of writing I am recovering my strength. Yes, my feet are propped up and because my fingers tap at the keyboard and my mind searches for the next idea, word, and phrase my body and spirit find rest. Yes, rest can be achieved in motion.

Rest. We need it, yes, but how we experience rest seems to vary. I would even venture to say that how we rest, the ways and mechanics of rest depend on our season of life and on any given day, truly. St. Augustine reminds us all of the greatest encounter with rest:  “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” Whether you rest with your eyes closed or your fingers tapping on a keyboard, be sure to secure that rest in the One who has made you restless until you rest in Him.

Blessings of Rest with Encounter,

Claire Hoffmeyer